Tyler Dorsey: OKC Thunder NBA Draft prospect series

Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) drives around North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Oregon sophomore Tyler Dorsey is climbing ranking ladders after a big NCAA tournament, solid combine effort and impressive tryouts.

The manner in which Tyler Dorsey finished his NCAA career has shone a bright spotlight on him as he prepares for he draft. Shooting will always be the primary focus of the NBA and with the best NBA squads utilizing more perimeter scoring Dorsey’s stock is rising.

Currently Tyler Dorsey appears to be earmarked to go mid second round, but depending on how he impressed in workouts he could go higher. For Sam Presti, who’ll select 21st, Dorsey won’t likely be a primary option. But given the Thunder’s shooting woes, he could be a player who encourages Presti to try and add a second round pick to obtain.

Specifics:

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 180 lbs

Wingspan: 6’5.75 ”

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 21 years, 3 months

Statline: 14.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.1 blocks

College: Oregon (Sophomore)

Home Town: Pasadena, California

Current rankings:

Note, rankings are updated on day of writing, and are subject to change.

DraftExpress: 47th

NBA DraftNet: 43rd

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 42nd

CBS Sports: 31st

Basketball Insiders:45th

Skills:

As noted Tyler Dorsey had an incredible NCAA tournament. He utilized the National spotlight to demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure and show off his solid perimeter shot. His Oregon Ducks reached the Final Four and with his 78 true shooting percentage he was a big reason why. As he prepares for the NBA being able to boast the ability to perform under pressure and want the ball in those situations is a huge plus.

Although Dorsey is noted for his lack of athleticism and physical shortcomings (6’5″ reach) I’ll point you to CJ McCollum who size and athleticism also weren’t strong trademarks of his game entering the pro level.

Dorsey is also a player who could be developed into a combo utility role as he’s demonstrated the ability to run the pick and roll and showed solid decision making under pressure. He is adept using both hands, can change speed and therefore was successful mixing in drives to his offensive repertoire. Furthermore, Dorsey was a willing passer and openly accepted taking a lesser role for the betterment of his team. These qualities will bode well for Dorsey at the pro level.

Ultimately, his 51 field goal percent and 42.4 three point percent cannot be ignored.

Weaknesses:

Obviously his size and reach present limitations at the NBA level. Specifically his height, weight and reach may force him to be matched up against point guards. That fact will limit which teams he would excel on. In fact, defense presents the greatest issues for the youngster since his reach (even when engaged) won’t serve as much of a deterrent to his opponent.

Furthermore, questions exist regarding how successful Tyler Dorsey can be at the pro level. This due to his fall off in efficiency versus better competition in College (though that can be likely said of most players) and against lengthier squads.

As per Draft Express:

"Defensively, Dorsey is a bit behind the eight ball as he’s not overly rangy. and lacks the length to bother jump shooters or attempts at the rim when beat. He’s really best suited defending point guards, at 183 pounds with below average length, but he hasn’t shown the elite quickness to keep lead guards in front. As is the case with many offensively focused college guards, Dorsey’s effort level on the ball wavers. When he’s locked in and up to the challenge, he does a solid job containing penetration, even if he’s somewhat hunched over on the perimeter. Off the ball, Dorsey certainly has his ups and downs as well, often caught sleeping either in man to man or Oregon’s zone. Dorsey will have to be competing at full force to be an adequate NBA defender given his average physical tools."

Honors and awards:

Pac 12, All-Conference Honorable Mention, 2017

2016 Pac 12, All-Tournament Team

Pac 12, All-Freshman Team, 2016

FIBA Under 19, World All Tournament Team, 2015

HIgh School, California Player of the Year, 2015

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer provided a ceiling comparison for each of his prospects. O’Connor’s list pegs Collins ceiling as Seth Curry, Gary Neal.

Given Dorsey’s highly efficient shooting, but lack of shot creation and playmaking I might lean more toward McCollum or JJ Redick as high end ceilings for the youngster. Redick’s short arms, reach and lack of playmaking certainly haven’t stopped him for succeeding at the NBA level, and neither should they Dorsey.

The fit:

Tyler Dorsey is a pure shooter with the swagger necessary to succeed at the pro level. He won’t be a player Sam Presti should chase with his 21st pick. That said, if Presti feels like trying to get into the second round Dorsey’s upside and shooting ability have to warrant a look. Ultimately, it’s unlikely Dorsey will find himself in an OKC jersey. But, keep your eyes on this kid as he might be a sleeper in this draft.

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